Money, money, money It's all about money isn't it. How often do we hear that in a conversation that involves football? No longer great beard or the referee's a wanker. Well, yes some things don't change.

Charlton being a publicly traded company have an open society financially and our supporters, more than most, understand how this effects what goes on, on the pitch. This week Richard Murray announced interim figures for 6 months ending 2004. As expected they were down after we spent money in the summer and accordingly raised the wageroll levels.

Our turnover for the 6 months was £19.48m, which is still a long way short of Tottenham's £32.9m. The share prices of the two clubs don't respect this though. Our share price has climbed extraordinarily from 7p in January to 28p today, whereas Spurs' is just 2p higher.

For some unknown reason, most definitely not an astute one, I have quite a few Charlton shares so maybe Mr Tim Leiweke wants to give me a call? This is an interesting story and one that Addicks Diary is following closely. Leiweke is president and chief executive of AEG who also own local 'soccer' team Chicago Fire. See we have a connection!

Another interesting story was not Jermaine Pennant being released from jail and being rewarded with a 3 year contract at Birmingham and a nice little signing on fee. Although I did laugh reading David Gold's comments: "He's had some unfortunate issues and I'm sure that our football club is best equipped to help him and he will end up an outstanding footballer and contributor to society." Just like Mr Gold then.

No I'm talking about someone who has actually achieved in their life - Ex-Addick David Campbell, who made 84 appearances for us in the late 70's. This is him (top row, 2nd from the right) in the team line up of 1977.


A 70's pro earnt a slightly different lot to today's players but David has done quite nicely for himself too thank you very much.

Whilst David was at Charlton he studied for an economics degree at the London School of Economics "because it was the nearest university to the football ground.” (more)

Yesterday the asset management firm he ran, Tilney, was backed by private equity money in a management buy-out from owners Refco to the tune of £125m. It was quite a coup for the Liverpool based company and David and three other senior managers will all do very nicely out of the deal. Maybe he can afford to get his haircut now!  ¶ 12:40